Bingo is much more than just a fun game to play. Taking part in a game of bingo can have a very positive effect on your mental well being, with plenty of studies to back it up. Playing bingo exercises your brain – improving your memory and boosting your cognitive function, both of which have a long-lasting positive impact on your overall mental health and abilities. And whether you’re playing online or offline, the game encourages healthy socialisation amongst players, which can benefit your overall mental health and well-being in the long term.
Improved Cognitive Function:
If your brain needs a boost, playing bingo could be the answer. A 2002 study conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton found that playing bingo can actually sharpen your mind. They surveyed 112 people, who were divided into two groups of ages, 18-40 and 60-82. Half of the players in each group were instructed to play bingo daily for a few hours, while the others were asked not to play at all. It showed that the participants who played bingo exhibited more mental agility than those who didn’t when given certain tasks that tested their cognitive function.
The skills needed to successfully play bingo, like memory recollection and hand-eye coordination, naturally decline as you age. Bingo requires you to continue actively using these skills, keeping them fresh and allowing your mind to stay alert.
Socialisation:
Meeting new people, making new friends, and engaging in social activities will all help to improve your social life and, as a result, boost your mental health. Bingo is a fun and easy way to help you accomplish all of these things. It can even help you reduce the symptoms of some mental illnesses or prevent their development. Whether you’re playing at a physical venue or online, bingo is a very social game. Maintaining an active social life can help to make you a happier person overall and give you friends to turn to when you need support. Studies have shown that people who have active social lives tend to experience lower rates of anxiety and depression plus higher late-life satisfaction.
Reduced Risk of Dementia:
Playing bingo games and other board games has been found to reduce the risk of dementia. Researchers found that individuals who play bingo can reduce their likelihood of being affected by this devastating condition. The research involved 3,675 individuals not diagnosed with dementia. 32% of the participants played board games or bingo regularly. Twenty years later, the researchers followed up and found that the risk of dementia was 15% lower in the participants who regularly played games. So, it’s no surprise that bingo is often played in retirement communities and nursing homes. It’s popular among older individuals – but younger people can benefit from the games too! Taking part in bingo as a young adult means that you get a head start on keeping your brain active and improving your cognitive function while having fun.
Bingo is a fun game that anybody can play. It’s easy to learn and it helps to keep your brain sharp – what’s not to love?